| So, you are the prooud owner of a new baseball glove. Of course, it’s almost as stiff as a piece of wood; you can close it, but only after squeezing hard enough to turn your face red. You need to break it in! The following is the traditional, time-tested method of breaking in a new mitt.
Warning: this proceedure is not advised for "suede-type" lether, vinyl, or other non-standard baseball gloves. This method is ideal for traditional, "hard" leather or steerhide gloves. Gloves tha are pre-broken in typically need no oil at all; simply playing catch will do fine. If you apply glove oil to a "soft" or "suede-tyle" leather glove, you will likely discolor the surface. This probably won’t do any realy damage to the function of the glove, but you might not be happy with the new look.
First, purchase some glove oil or condiioner - you can usually find this for sale near the area that gloves are sold, and it seldom costs more than five dollars.
Pour some oil onto a clean, soft cloth, and work it into the pocket. You’ll need enough to dampen the surface of the leather, but not enough to make it truly wet.
Next, close the glove several times. You;ll notice the creases formed where the leather naturally bends. Be sure that these creases get extra gove oil and attention.
Continue applying a thin coat of oil over the rest of the glove - this hellps to condition and protect the leather.
Finally, take two baseballs and place them in the pocket of the glove, close the glove, then place it under some light weight to ensure that the glove remains closed. Some people place gloves under their couch cushions; I personally like to use a basket of launry for this.
Over the next few days, work the glove out. Throw a ball into the pocket repeatedy. Play catch with the glove. Hit the thumb and pinky fingers of the glove with your fist, to help bend them. The more you work the glove, the softer it will get.
After a few days, reapply a thin coat of glove oil, being sure to work it in well. Continue to work the glove out, and it should soon be perfectly broken in. | |
